Known as the "Jewel of the Nile", Aswan is one of the most beautiful destinations in Egypt. Located 549 miles (926 km) south of Cairo, this is the site for the Aswan High Dam, where the Nile's flow is regulated for Egypt. Known in ancient times as Nubia, the area is still rich in Nubian culture and heritage, and Nubian folklore performances are popular amongst visitors. From the Nile that ripple s along its bank, the vast mountains its backdrop, Aswan is an ancient city timeless in both beauty and history.